Provides updated customer coverage maps
Vodafone UK has said it will enhance its HSPA network to 14.4Mbps where it sees areas of highest demand across the UK.
"Sites with the greatest demand will be upgraded first with the 14.4Mbps capability. Busy areas of London, Birmingham and Liverpool have already received upgraded sites and the roll out will continue across the UK on an ongoing basis," a statement from the operator said.
The operator also said that over 80% of all Vodafone datacards/dongles and 3G handsets are compatible with the 14.4 Mbps service.
“Customers trust us to deliver a mobile network that they can rely on – wherever they are and whether they are individuals, or a small, medium or large business,” says Jeni Mundy, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone UK. “Today’s network upgrade means customers can be reassured we’re consistently enhancing the quality of our network in response to demand.”
Customers’ average speeds will vary depending on the strength of signal they have and the number of people using the same cell site. Whilst 14.4 Mbps is the theoretical peak rate, customers can expect to see typical speeds of anything between 1 and 4 Mbps with a practical maximum speed of 10.8 Mbps.
Vodafone UK has also made changed its online Mobile Broadband coverage viewer. Customers will be able to see both indoor and outdoor coverage; typical industry coverage maps just display outdoor coverage. The coverage maps will be updated weekly and also show planned coverage improvements within a 12 month window. In addition, there is a feedback tool to allow customers to directly feed into Vodafone’s future coverage plans.
Last month (July) Vodafone UK introduced is femtocell product, the Vodafone Access Gateway. Later this year Vodafone UK will add additional devices to its Mobile Broadband portfolio which are designed to maximise the benefits of 14.4 Mbps and future Mobile Broadband network enhancements.
The emphasis on coverage suggests that Vodafone still thinks that it is an important factor in customer retention and attraction. Showing the level of indoor coverage will also help some users see where the femtocell product might be of use.